U.S. Senate candidate U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn talks with members of the Tennessean's editorial board.
Ayrika L Whitney, The Tennessean

U.S. congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and a U.S. Senate candidate addresses the opioid crisis facing the state during the Healthy Tennessee conference at the Hermitage Hotel Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn.(Photo: George Walker IV / The Tennessean)

The National Rifle Association endorsed Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee's U.S. Senate race Wednesday, and went on the attack immediately, slamming her Democratic opponent Phil Bredesen as a "vote for anti-gun leadership."

The NRA announced its support of the conservative Williamson County congressman in a news release that hailed Blackburn's opposition to "the Pelosi/Schumer/Bloomberg gun control agenda."

“Marsha Blackburn is a champion of our Second Amendment freedoms and has always stood strong to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans,” Chris Cox, chairman of the NRA Political Victory Fund, said in a statement.

The endorsement was expected given the group's overwhelming support of Republicans, including President Donald Trump, as many Democrats nationally call for action on guns amid a series of high-profile mass shootings.

The NRA said Blackburn voted against legislation "that would criminalize the private transfer of firearms between lifelong friends and many family members." The group also commended her support for the Carry Reciprocity Act, which would require all states to recognize the handgun carry permits of other states.

Cox, the NRA chairman, also took aim at Bredesen, saying he "opposes constitutional freedoms of law-abiding gun owners and would be a rubber stamp for Chuck Schumer’s gun control agenda in Washington, D.C."

"He can’t be trusted to defend our Second Amendment rights."

Bredesen responds with ad on support for Second Amendment

Cox's comments came despite the NRA endorsing Bredesen during his 2006 reelection for governor after the group backed Republican Van Hilleary during his initial gubernatorial run in 2002. Bredesen, a recreational hunter and gun owner, received an "A" rating from the NRA during both elections.

During his second term, Bredesen vetoed legislation that sought to allow guns in bars, citing a belief that "guns and alcohol don't mix."

In a tweet, Cox said it's "not 2002, you're not governor, and you're not A-rated by the NRA." He said Bredesen now has a "D" rating.

The NRA accused Bredesen of supporting a federal gun database, refusing to "oppose burdensome and unnecessary restrictions on ammunition," and vetoing protections for concealed carry permit holders and opposing Tennesseans' right to carry firearms "in the manner that best suits their needs."

The Bredesen campaign was ready for the NRA endorsement of Blackburn, quickly releasing an online ad that discusses his support of the Second Amendment.

With a soft acoustic guitar playing in the background, the ad shows Bredesen loading a shotgun, taking aim and shooting a clay pigeon.

"Growing up, I was taught to always think for myself," he says in the ad. "My support of the Second Amendment is a good example. It's definitely not always popular, but it's the way of life I grew up with. So did many of you.

"I've been a lifelong gun owner. As a governor, I had an 'A' rating by the NRA. Real independence and not party politics, that's what's best for Tennessee."

NRA demands Bredesen retract ad

The NRA responded by demanding that the Bredesen retract what the group called a "false and misleading ad," arguing that Bredesen is now a D-rated candidate, not an A-rated candidate.

"Tennesseans should not be fooled by his false and misleading campaign ads," Cox said.

On gun control, Bredesen has called for background checks during gun purchases and to strengthen the background check process as it relates to mental illness.

He also supports increased funding for the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Bredesen has not called for a ban on the sale of AR-15-style rifles like some Democrats have suggested.

Reach Joey Garrison at 615-259-8236, jgarrison@tennessean.com and on Twitter @joeygarrison.